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Southeast Asia's most powerful passports in 2025

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Malaysian passports. Photo courtesy of the official portal of the Sarawak government Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei hold the most powerful passports in Southeast Asia in the latest ranking released by British global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners. With visa-free access to 195 countries and territories, Singapore holds its title of having the most powerful passport in the world and Southeast Asia, according to the Henley Global Mobility Report. Malaysia ranked second in the region with visa-free entry to 183 destinations, followed by Brunei with 166 destinations. Timor-Leste ranked fourth with visa-free access to 97 destinations. Thailand, whose economy heavily depends on tourism, came in fifth in the region with its passport holders having access to 82 destinations without a visa. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, ranked sixth with access to 76 destinations without a visa. Filipino passport holders can access 67 countries globally without a vis...

Why you should visit Thailand during the off-season

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Holidaying in the Land of Smiles during the low season isn’t just about avoiding the crowds – it’s about experiencing the country in a more intimate and authentic way, says James Draven Despite the occasional downpour, there are plenty of reasons to visit Thailand from May to October – so pack your mac and sense of adventure, and get ready to see this spectacular country in a whole new light. From rejuvenated landscapes to rich cultural experiences, the rainy season reveals a side of Thailand that is often overlooked. And who knows? The off-season might just become your favourite time to visit. Why you should visit Thailand in the low season 1. Go for the weather This might have high-season purists spitting out their cha yen (iced tea) in horror, itching to inculcate would-be visitors with the well-worn wisdom that “summer is the hot, humid, rainy season”. And it is, but let’s face it, Thailand is hot all year around, with temperatures remaining in the early-to-mid thirties from Januar...

Ninh Binh chosen among 12 coolest filming locations

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 The US magazine Traveler + Leisure has recently voted Ninh Binh Province as one of the 12 "coolest filming locations" in Asia.  Ninh Binh Province is only around 2 hours driving from Hanoi. This is home to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the reign of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980). Ninh Binh Province with Trang An Complex became famous worldwide since being the filming place of the blockbuster movie: "Kong: Skull Island" in 2016. Travel+Leisure said: "The Ninh Binh area is known as the inland cousin of Ha Long Bay. Scenically similar, though significantly smaller, it has far fewer visitors." Other filming locations included in the list are Siem Reap in Cambodia, Busan in South Korea, Khempur in Asia, Krabi in Thailand, Singapore, Bali in Indonesia, the Maldives, and Tokyo in Japan.

10 unmissable to-do things while visiting Hanoi

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Hanoi, a city where rich history blends seamlessly with vibrant modern life, offers a wealth of activities that showcase its unique culture, stunning landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine. 1. Enjoy the street food and beverages Tourists eat out at night in Ta Hien in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Hanoi, then start by trying the local cuisine like a true local. The capital is famous for its food scene with street food stalls, bustling markets, and neighborhood cafes all in on the action. Whether enjoying a traditional meal at a family-owned restaurant or nibbling on snacks from a market vendor, embracing Hanoi’s food culture is the perfect way to connect with its heart and soul. The bustling streets are filled with food shops offering iconic dishes like pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District), bun dau mam tom at Bun dau mam tom Hang Khay Co Tuyen (31 Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem), and banh cuon at Banh Cuo...

Bookings open for Bangkok-Ayutthaya steam train ride to mark birth of Thai railway

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The trip is on 26 March 2024, and bookings open on 25 February 2024 via D-Ticket mobile application or at SRT stations across Thailand. Bangkok, 24 February 2024 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is organising a special excursion train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya with steam locomotive to celebrate its 127th anniversary on 26 March 2024. Travellers will get a chance to ride on a Pacific steam locomotive, numbers 824 and 850, from the World War II era. The special steam train ride will leave from Hua Lamphong. Train No. 901/902 will depart the station at 08.10 Hrs. and will arrive in Ayutthaya at 10.20 Hrs. Passengers will have six hours to tour the ancient capital, before the train leaves for Bangkok at 16.40 Hrs. and arrive in Bangkok at 18.50 Hrs. The train will stop at Sam Sen, Bang Sue, Don Mueang, and Rangsit stations, so passengers can board or disembark at any of these stations. Bookings open on 25 February 2024, from 08.30 Hrs. onwards via D-Ticket mobile application and websi...

Bát Xát's terraced rice fields come alive in the rainy season

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From mid-May, the terraced fields in Bát Xát are flooded ready for the harvest and as people in the northern highlands only cultivate one rice crop a year the rainy season is a totally unique and only fleeting experience, not to be missed Bát Xát District’s terraced rice fields seen in the rainy season. - Photo toquoc.vn Lâm Giang If tourists are looking for a tourist destination that is both majestic, with mountains and hills, while still romantic, with trees and flowers, Bát Xát District is a place worth visiting. Not flowing along straight lines like the rice fields in the delta, the terraced fields in Bát Xát District, Lào Cai Province are like rounded stairs leading up to the sky, creating a truly beautiful landscape. From mid-May the terraced fields in Bát Xát are brought alive in the rainy season. People in the northern highlands only cultivate one rice crop a year, so this is a unique time, colourful and beautiful. The surface of the field is flooded layer by layer, reflecting ...

Da Nang among cheapest places in Asia for retirees

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High-rise buildings along the coast of Da Nang City in central Vietnam. Photo by Kim LienDa Nang ranked second in a list of Asia's five cheapest destinations to retire for foreigners with a monthly average cost of living for expats of US$867, according to a recent report. Thailand's Chiang Mai topped the list with the average cost of living at $667 a month, according to GOBankingRates, a personal finance publication run by Nasdaq. The Philippines' Cebu ranked third where the monthly average living costs stood at $840, followed by Taiwan's Taipei at $1,268, and Japan'’s Kyoto at $1,565. "Da Nang offers pristine beaches, scenic mountains, a warm climate and modern amenities. With its affordable housing options, excellent healthcare facilities and growing expat community, Da Nang is a no-brainer," the U.S. publication said. Da Nang, home to 1.2 million people, is considered Vietnam's third most important city after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2018, Pan...